March 25, 2017
The leadpipe of a trumpet, or the section of tubing that runs from the mouthpiece to the first tuning slide, is usually about eight inches long and has a very distinct purpose: to help with control of airflow and accuracy of pitch. The leadpipe tapers very gradually, starting out narrower at the mouthpiece, and allows […]
March 21, 2017
If you’re thinking about enrolling your child in marching band, selecting an instrument is part of the process–and the trombone is a popular choice. The trombone’s ancestor was a medieval instrument called the sackbut, which looked a lot like the trombone except its bore was narrower and its bell wasn’t as wide. In the 17th […]
March 19, 2017
Although cymbals can last for over a decade with proper care and maintenance, they’re among the more delicate percussion instruments. Treating your cymbals with care, including setting them up properly and keeping them protected, can reduce the risk of damage and extend the life of your cymbals. Maintenance is often a matter of technique, and […]
February 23, 2017
As a violin student advances from a beginner to an intermediate level, they may require a higher quality bow. The superior craftsmanship of a decent bow will provide them with the tools they need to improve their playing technique and tone. However, the cost of more professional bows can seem unusually expensive, especially to first-time […]
February 19, 2017
So, you’ve been playing the clarinet for a while and want to start experimenting with its sound? Since a clarinet’s ligature affects how the reed vibrates, most clarinetists match their ligature to the type of music they’re playing. If you’re in the market for a new clarinet ligature, consider the type of clarinet you have, […]
February 4, 2017
So, your child wants to play the oboe. Whether you’re familiar with the instrument or not, taking the time to understand its key features is key. At the end of the day, buying an oboe is kind of like buying a car. Not only is it an investment in your child’s future, but you’ll need […]
January 28, 2017
If you’re interested in playing the clarinet, whether for the first time or once again, there are a few important clarinet accessories you should purchase before you even think about signing up for lessons. While some are essential to playing, others are essential to comfort and maintenance of your instrument. Provided you don’t lose or […]
January 26, 2017
Every trombonist should have a fundamental understanding of their instrument’s mouthpiece and how it works. Whether it’s through experimentation, independent research, or time spent with an instructor disassembling and reassembling your instrument, the key to finding the perfect mouthpiece for your trombone is in understanding the different parts and what they do. From the rim […]
January 16, 2017
If you’ve been playing the violin for a few years and are beginning to experiment with your playing, you may have come across violin pickups in music stores and while browsing online. For most violinists, the thought of installing and using a pickup is confusing, scary, and just plain weird. The good news is that […]
January 6, 2017
If you’ve decided to take violin lessons, and are committed to learning how to play, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most out of the experience. It may surprise you to find out that there’s more to learning the violin than just showing up for your lessons […]
